BEAUMONT, TX -- Terrance Motley scored 14 points and pulled down eight rebounds to lead the Sam Houston State men’s basketball team to a 68-57 Southland Conference road victory at Lamar Thursday night.
A strong performance on the offensive boards was a key to the victory as the Bearkats upped their season record to 9-6 and now stand 2-1 in league action.
Sam Houston out-boarded the Cardinals 43-32 with 21 second chance points coming off the Bearkats’ 19 offensive rebounds.
The Kats’ pressure defense also created 21 points off Lamar’s 19 turnovers.
“Two of our big goals tonight were to turn on the pressure and create turnovers and win the battle on the boards,” Sam Houston head coach Jason Hooten said. “When we play hand and stay aggressive, good things are going to happen.”
Sam Houston never trailed in the contest, jumping out to a 12-point lead in the first half, leading 33-29 at intermission and building a 14-point margin at one point in the second period.
“After a tough loss against Northwestern State at home last Monday, it was great to see the guys bounce back and win one on the road,” Hooten said. “They left their hearts and souls on the floor last Monday. Tuesday at practice they came back bound and determined to make up for a home loss with a road win tonight.”
Lamar, the Southland Conference’s NCAA representative last season after winning the league’s post-season tournament, fell to 0-3 in Southland action an 2-14 for the year.
DeMarcus Gatlin scored nine points and James Thomas added eight for Sam Houston. Michael Holyfield pulled down nine rebounds.
Sam Houston State continues its Southland road swing with a Saturday afternoon contest at McNeese State.
